Too Smart...

I'm so smart, i just got my grade for the class I was taking and yes ladies and gents, I got an A, go me!!! I guess all that busy work paid off.

Hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving and your Monday has started well.

I'll be drawing for the photo this evening so don't forget to enter in the drawing today.

Happy Thanksgiving...

Due to dial up at the parents, I'll not likely get to blog much over the holiday. So, I wanted to make sure to send my holiday wishes today. Eat loads of good food and take a good long nap, you deserve it.



Oh and don't forget to entry the drawing from the Nov. 24 blog entry!

Weekend Update…

Friday: Dinner with the girls and the movie were both grand. If you are only a semi-fan of the Twilight series, I recommend waiting awhile to see the movie, the attendance of those under the age of 16 might scare you. They also like to comment during the movie. The movie gets a “B” per my review. It was good, true to the book for the most part, not enough Jacob or Edward, I think it could be covered a bit more material an still held the audience attention.

Saturday: A big thanks to the couple of readers that came to the Craft Show on Saturday. It was a fun time had by all, a bit slow, but with this economy you just never know.

Sunday: A full fun day in the barn-good times!

Ok, so I’m a bit pissy today. I am recovering from a head cold right now and well, I have little patience for idiots these days. I seem to be surrounded by them here at the office today. Yesterday I was asleep more than I was awake and I think today should have been similar. I knew I was going to get sick at some point, I guess I should be thankful it’s not the flu.

As this week includes the Thanksgiving Holiday, where we will all stuff ourselves with ridiculous amounts of food in the name of thanks, or at least I will. I want to show that although I am pissy, I am thankful. I am very thankful for all my blog readers. To show my thanks, I am giving away another print. You can choose any from the photography site, there may even be a few more up soon, but don’t hold your breath, too long, it will depend on time. You have until Monday, Nov. 30 to leave a comment to be entered into the drawing.

Thanks readers, you rock!

Oh The Places You’ll Go…

I reader commented and asked what cooking sites I go to for recipes. Thanks reader for commenting and for the blog entry idea.

I visit many, sometime just a google search for a certain item. However there are some I regular on my bored, down time.

Bakerella: Sweet treats, too much effort, but fun to look at. http://www.bakerella.com/

Smitten Kitchen: These recipes look great and someday I will try them. http://smittenkitchen.com/

Food Gawker: Loads an loads of fun recipes to look at. http://foodgawker.com/page/2/

Tasty Kitchen: Fun, some easy recipes posted. http://thepioneerwoman.com/tasty-kitchen/

Pioneer Woman: Her site is fun in general, but the cooking section rocks. http://thepioneerwoman.com/

Pillsbury: I somehow got on an email list and get weekly recipe updates from them. http://www.pillsbury.com/recipes/recipelanding.htm

Cake Wrecks: I don’t plan to make any of these they are just fun to look at. http://cakewrecks.blogspot.com/

Mario Batali: Oh, the recipes sound soooooo good, but I just don’t get around to making them. http://www.mariobatali.com/recipes_carbonara.cfm

Rachel Ray: I have my own personal Rachel Ray who provides me with great ideas, but I haven’t convinced her to do a website yet, so I must go to this Rachel Ray every now and then. http://www.rachaelray.com/food.php

Do you readers have any great sites you want to share with the group?

I’ll be getting my fill of Edward and Jacob tonight. No these are not my dates, they will be on the big screen. Yep, I got roped in the Twilight Saga too.

Happy Friday Kids, I need some good Irish Luck come my way—send as much as you can, please!

Going On Tour...


According To Alison Photography is going on tour. Ok, not really, I'm just going to a craft show this Saturday. I'll be in Marietta, Ohio this Saturday Nov. 21 from 9-3pm at the Junior Fair Building on the Washington County Fairgrounds. If you are in the area and bored beyond belief, you should stop by, say hello and support the local Band Boosters.

A Want-a-Be If I Can You Can Too...


I have a few If I Can You Can Too Recipes done, but need to upload the photos and such. Opps, sorry. A week or so ago, I had a BAD recipe. I spent a good bit of money to try this new mushroom soup recipe, it was not fit for dogs. Seriously it was horrible. I couldn't eat it. So the entire pot went into the trash and that money gone and no good soup to eat. It was sad, very sad. So I have taken a bit of a break from the cooking of new recipes.


However, I search sites and look for new ones. I love looking at recipe books too. Somehow I've turned into my mother, yikes. *grin*

Today is no exception, I'm sitting watching an episode of Castle on Hulu and searching recipe sites. I've found a few that look very good. Maybe I'll get around to trying them.

Shredded Chicken Nachos-YUM

Slow Cooked White Chili-OH TASTY!

Slow-Cooked Praline Apple Crisp---YIKES, YUMMERS

Spice Sugar Cookies--It is Cookie time!

A Birthday...

Birthdays are nature's way of telling us to eat more cake.--Annoymous

500...

Post number 500. It's hard to believe. This is the longest commitment, I think I have ever made.

Happy Friday! Happy Friday!

If I Can You Can Too...

I'm a big fan of butternut squash, but don't make it often. My Mom gave me a couple out of the garden and so I had a feast.

First you have to wash the garden dirt off.



Then you take your knife and cut it in half length ways.



Next scope out all the seeds and guts.



Now get out your cinnamon, brown sugar, and honey.



Put the squash in a baking dish and then sprinkle a bit of brown sugar and a bit of cinnamon all over and then drizzle the honey on.



Bake on 375 degree for 45-60 minutes, until good and soft, but not burnt.



I baked it covered until the last 10 minutes or so, then pulled the lid off for the last bit. Simply scoop out the goodness from the rind and enjoy!!

I’m Depressed…

I’m sad, depressed, discouraged, angry and yet not surprised.

I got up early this morning, I’m not a morning person, so this is a real challenge for me. I blocked off part of my morning at work in case I was late. I planned ahead, yeah me. I was prepared to wait in a line. I arrived at my voting location and my glee over getting to vote was washed away by sadness. I didn’t have to stand in line, I didn’t even have to wait at all. I walked in, signed my name, took my sticker, voted, and left. Big sigh! No wait!

I heard on the local news they are only expecting a 20% turn out in Ohio. Now, come on people, there are three state issues on the ballet and several community issues. You can’t get your ass out and vote? Now, I’m not referring to all my lovely readers, I’m sure you did. I also know they have expanded the absentee voting options, which is great. However, I know this is not why there was no line. The problem is apathetic idiots.

Now I have a policy and I’m going to have to enforce it strictly from this point on. If someone is complaining about an issue that was on the ballet, my first question will be, “Did you vote?”. If they did, then I’ll have a spirited discussion with them, if they agree or disagree with my views. If they respond with a “no”, then my response will be, “Shut the Fuck Up! You have no opinion, you didn’t even vote!”. Now, there were some harsh words in there, but sometimes harsh words are needed.

So, today I’m depressed. I wear my “I made a difference, So can You, VOTE” and only hope that others will see it and remember they need to get out today and vote.

Tomorrow, a “If I can you can too”, a bit less dramatic.

The answers...

So the Little quiz all about me, here are the answers, did you get them all correct?

In what year did I start this little ‘o blog?—I started this blog in 2005, that was an easy one you only had to look at the archive dates on the side of the blog. I started it because Ms. L was in Desh and it was an easy way to communicate with her. So, really you can blame Ms. L for all this.
December 2005 was a sad month because of what event?—Brian Borus was a lovely small pub in the Short North, it served its last pints the first weekend in December 2005 the night of the Short North Gallery Hop. The only up side was, I was able to be there for the last night. I braved the ice covered streets that night, although I don’t think I would have felt it if I had fallen and maybe I did a time or two. Love designated drivers!!!

What year did I only post twice?—That year was 2006. I didn’t blog about it, so did the year really happen?

Can you name three random things about me?—You should be able to there have been a few posts all about me and my little corks. 1. I hate snakes. 2. I love pumpkin. 3. My favorite children's book is The Large and Growly Bear.

What did I make for the first If I Can You Can Too? Pumpkin Dumplings—November 25, 2008. I hope to have another episode soon.

What morning show do I listen to?—Bob and Tom, sad but true

What is my “Travelocity Gnome”?—What, now you better know this. Lou—Lou, Lou! February 8, 2008 Lou appeared, getting ready for St. Patrick’s Day.

How did I win a free gas card at work? I won a contest. The name I submitted was chosen as the title for the department’s newsletter. Which there has only been one issue of—this was last year. Oh well, not my job.

What library was I a loving in 2008?—Seattle’s main library, ah what an awesome trip.

What Irish beer do I love, but can’t get in the US?—Kilkenny! No I don’t want to Kill Kenny, I want to drink the beer!

Too Long…

This post will be too long, but please take the time to read it. It is extremely important. Next Tuesday is Election Day. There are three issues on the Ohio ballet. Do you understand the issues? Let me help if I can. If you don’t live in Ohio, I encourage you to find out more about the issues on your ballet. Voting is a key right all Americans have and if you are not an educated voter, you are not taking full advantage of your rights.

Issue 1-my take on it. Veterans rock! Love them, love that they were willing to go out and say, “Yes, I will defend America”. However, this issue is too vague for me, I want to know exactly how much money will but placed on future taxes to cover the cost of this issue. The issue does not provide a clear indication of current money used and future taxes that could be created to cover this issue. My vote will be NO for Issue 1. My suggestion to the writes of the issue, go back, try again, and provide more clear detail on where the money will be coming from exactly.

Issue 2-this one hits a little too close to home. This issue wants to establish an Ohio Livestock Care Standards Board. This board will establish the standards governing the care and well-being of livestock in Ohio. I will be voting YES for this issue. A no vote for this issue will give the power to a national animal rights organization and take away the power from Ohioans. Let an Ohio Board set the standard, a board with a variety of individuals, not an animal rights organization not even based in Ohio. Based on the standard this national animal rights organization has set in Michigan, they are too extreme, too expensive; a no vote on this issue will put Ohio Farmers out of business. Ohio has lost too many jobs already, please do not take away more, VOTE YES for ISSUE 2 This issue is listed below with the opinions of those for and against all information taken from the Ohio League of Women Voters, you make your decision.

Issue 3—the casino issue. Gambling is fun; it can get to be too much for many. I voted against this issue the first time. I will vote YES on ISSUE 3 this time. Why? 34,000 jobs, no they will not happen all at once and many will go away after the building is done, however, Ohio needs jobs, there will be construction jobs straight away if this is approved. Other jobs will be created when the casinos open. No, an Ohioan is not likely be the main manager of a casino, why, well because the casinos are going to bring in someone with experience to run their casino, however, they will be tons of jobs on the floor in the hotels etc. They will be Ohioans, why would a casino go so far away to hire which is what opponents want you to think. I work with students majoring in Hospitality Management. One of Ohio’s growing problems is we educate tons of college graduates, but we cannot keep them in Ohio because there are no jobs. Keep these Hospitality Management grads in Ohio working at these casinos and hotels near the casinos. Also, you know someone who works at an Ohio Library? They are in danger again of closing because the Governor’s budget was ruled uncostiutional, voting yes on this issue will help keep those librarians working and libraries open to the public. I also believe Ohio will be placing taxes on these casinos and this tax money will help fund libraries and other public funded concerns.

The issues are listed below with the opinions of those for and against all information taken from the Ohio League of Women Voters, you make your decision.


ISSUE 1: PROPOSED CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT TO AUTHORIZE THE STATE TO ISSUE BONDS TO PROVIDE COMPENSATION TO VETERANS
OF THE PERSIAN GULF, AFGHANISTAN, AND IRAQ CONFLICTS
(Proposed by Joint Resolution of the General Assembly of Ohio)

To adopt Section 2r of Article VIII of the Constitution of the State of Ohio

A YES vote means approval of the amendment.
A NO vote means disapproval of the amendment.
A majority YES vote is required for the amendment to be adopted.

If approved, this proposed amendment shall take effect immediately.

League Explanation of Issue 1: This ballot issue proposes a constitutional amendment that would provide compensation to veterans serving during the Persian Gulf, Afghanistan, and Iraq conflicts. The amendment is similar to the bond issues passed by the voters to compensate veterans of World War I, World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam conflict. It will provide the state with the authority to issue up to $200 million of bonds. The Ohio treasurer has estimated that only $106 million of the bond proceeds might actually be needed. All bonds must be issued by December 31, 2013. Repayment of these bonds would be a general obligation of the state backed by the taxing power of the state. Revenue from these bonds would be used to provide additional compensation as follows:
· Payment may be made to Ohio residents who have served on active duty in the United States armed forces between August 2, 1990 and March 3, 1991, which was the duration of the Persian Gulf conflict; between October 7, 2001 and the end of the United States’ involvement in Afghanistan; and between March 19, 2003 and the end of the United States’ involvement in Iraq.
· Veterans who served domestically or in foreign service in locations other than the Persian Gulf, Afghanistan, or Iraq may receive $50 for each month served up to a maximum of $500.
· Veterans who served in the Persian Gulf, Afghanistan, or Iraq may receive $100 for each month served up to a maximum of $1000, or may receive $1000 if medically discharged due to combat-related disabilities.
· If a person died as a result of injuries sustained in Persian Gulf, Afghanistan, or Iraq service, that person’s family may receive $5000.
· If a person is missing in action or held in enemy captivity, that person’s family may receive $5000.
The Legislative Services Commission estimates that issuing $200 million of obligations could increase the state’s annual debt service expense by up to $18 million. The voters must approve this bonding authority because the Ohio constitution does not permit an appropriation being made for a period longer than two years.

Proponents of the proposed amendment argue that:
1. Passing the amendment by vote of the people shows that Ohioans appreciate Ohio veterans.
2. The payments will ease veterans’ transition back into civilian life.

Opponents of the proposed amendment argue that:
Tax monies will be diverted to paying principle and interest, and this may limit the availability of state revenue for other state programs during a period of financial crisis.
Future taxpayers will be responsible for the debt incurred for these payments. The payments should be paid for by revenues available in the current biennium.



ISSUE 2: PROPOSED CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT
TO CREATE THE OHIO LIVESTOCK CARE STANDARDS BOARD
(Proposed by Joint Resolution of the General Assembly of Ohio)

To enact Section 1 of Article XIV of the Ohio Constitution

A YES vote means approval of the amendment.
A NO vote means disapproval of the amendment.
A majority YES vote is required for the amendment to be adopted.

If approved, this proposed amendment will be effective immediately.

League Explanation of Issue 2:
· This proposed constitutional amendment would create the Ohio Livestock Care Standards Board for the purpose of establishing standards governing the care and well-being of livestock and poultry in Ohio.
· The bipartisan board would consist of thirteen members:
o The director of the state department that regulates agriculture
o Ten members appointed by the Governor with the advice and consent of the Senate, including:
§ One member representing family farms
§ One member knowledgeable about food safety
§ Two members representing statewide organizations that represent farmers
§ One member who is a veterinarian
§ The State Veterinarian in the state department that regulates agriculture
§ The dean of the agriculture department of a college or university in Ohio
§ Two members of the public representing Ohio consumers
§ One member representing a county humane society
o One member appointed by the Speaker of the House who shall be a family farmer
o One member appointed by the President of the Senate who shall be a family farmer
· The Board would have authority to establish standards governing the care and well-being of livestock and poultry in Ohio, subject only to the authority of the General Assembly.

Proponents of the proposed amendment argue that:
1. The board represents a balance of interests.
2. The board would establish standards governing the care and well being of livestock and
poultry in Ohio.
3. Ohioans can have greater confidence in the safety of locally produced food.

Opponents of the proposed amendment argue that:
1. The board should be created by statute rather than by amendment to the Ohio Constitution.
2. Creating another regulatory board utilizes revenues best spent on basic services to Ohioans.
3. The amendment could prevent certain animal care reform proposed by national animal rights
organizations.



ISSUE 3: PROPOSED CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT
TO AUTHORIZE A CASINO IN CLEVELAND, COLUMBUS,
CINCINNATI, AND TOLEDO, OHIO
(Proposed by Initiative Petition)

To add a new Section 6a to Article XV of the Ohio Constitution

A YES vote means approval of the amendment.
A NO vote means disapproval of the amendment.
A majority YES vote is required for the amendment to be adopted.

If approved, the proposed amendment will take effect 30 days after the election.

League Explanation of Issue 3: This amendment would authorize four casinos, one each in Cincinnati, Cleveland, Columbus, and Toledo, located on particular parcels of land owned by private individuals.
1. The operator would be required to pay a tax of 33% annually on gross casino receipts. “Gross casino receipts” excludes payments to winners. The tax revenue would be allocated in the following ways:
· 51% to the 88 counties on a pro rata basis, with 50% of the county’s distribution going to the county’s most populated city if it had a population of greater than 80,000 as of the 2000 United States census.
· 34% to public school districts in proportion to their public school district populations.
· 5% to the host city where the casino that generated the revenue is located.
· 3% to fund the Ohio Casino Control Commission.
· 3% to a fund supporting purses, breeding programs and operations at existing horse racetracks.
· 2% to fund a state law enforcement training program.
· 2% to fund treatment of problem gambling and substance abuse.
2. The Ohio Casino Control Commission would license and regulate casino operators, management companies, key employees and all gaming. The commission would have 7 members appointed by the Governor with the advice and consent of the Senate.
3. Each casino operator must make a minimum initial investment of $250 million.
4. The initial license fee of $50 million for each casino will fund state economic development programs.
5. Each casino could operate 24 hours a day. Each casino may have a maximum of 5000 slot machines. Each casino may conduct any type of card or table games, slot machines or electronic gaming devices permitted by states adjacent to Ohio, except bingo, and horse racing where the pari-mutuel system of wagering is conducted.

Proponents of the proposed amendment argue that:
Thirty-eight states—including Indiana, Michigan, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia—have casino gambling.
By authorizing casinos in Ohio, the profits could benefit our state rather than other states.
3. Counties, public school districts, and many cities will receive tax revenue
generated by the casinos, and each can decide how to best spend its money.
4. The casinos will create 34,000 new jobs in Cincinnati, Cleveland, Columbus, and Toledo.
5. The casinos will stimulate the economy by adding restaurants, hotels and ancillary businesses.

Opponents of the proposed amendment argue that:
The Ohio general revenue fund, which supports basic services for Ohioans, will get $0 from the gross casino receipts tax.
Ohio lottery profits, currently dedicated to education, may decrease because people will gamble at the casinos instead of playing the lottery.
Ohioans may spend money at the casinos they would have spent at other existing Ohio businesses such as restaurants, movies, or sports events, adversely impacting those businesses.
The number of gambling addicts in Ohio would increase, and the tax receipts dedicated to providing treatment for addicts could be insufficient.
The proposed amendment could be construed to mean that all games allowed at the casinos can be played only at the casinos, eliminating church-festival poker games and casino nights sponsored by charitable groups.


Websites
In support of the proposed amendment: Cops for Casinos http://copsforcasinos.com/
In opposition to the proposed amendment: Vote NO Casinos Committee, TruthPAC www.truthpac.org/

Can you believe?...

I'm coming up on 500 posts on this blog very soon. I thought it might be fun to have a little quiz all about me, because of course I am the center of this universe. You can have the next one. *grin*

So here are a few random questions. The answers will be revealed soon.

In what year did I start this little ‘o blog?

December 2005 was a sad month because of what event?

What year did I only post twice?

Can you name three random things about me?

What did I make for the first If I Can You Can Too?

What morning show do I listen to?

What/Who is my “Travelocity Gnome”?

How did I win a free gas card at work?

What library I was a loving in 2008?

What Irish beer do I love, but can’t get in the US?

A Secret...

I have a secret crush, ok, now it's not so much of a secret, but just a crush. I adore Mario Batali. He is a chef, who just simply rocks! I love his TV personality, the food he makes looks awesome and he did this entire PBS series on Spain. Ah, I could go on and on. In case you don't know Mario, check out his site...http://www.mariobatali.com/.

Also look for this cookbooks at your local library. Spain, Culinary Road Trip is grand, the photos alone are brilliant. Do it, read it now. Make the empanada, it's delightful, the Marrieds agreed. I didn't make it at home so didn't go an episode of "If I can, You can Too" with it.

Watch this You Tube preview for the Spain series...

Crap-O-La...

I just finished my first quiz for my online class. One, I dislike online courses, I'm an audio learner so most of the time just reading will not help me retain the information. Two, I just plain suck. I took the quiz-open book mind you-and I only got 7 out of 10 correct. One because I didn't clearly read the question. ARGH! I'm going to have to do better here. Oh how these 4 weeks are going to pass too quickly for all this work. What was I thinking?

A Bunch of Random Thoughts...

I have got to get to the grocery store. I just ate cinnamon oatmeal from the bottom of my desk drawer and a fiber one bar from the vending machine. It's been two weeks since I'm made a Kroger run, I really must put this at the top of my list, asap.

I'm taking a 4 week class online that started yesterday. Why did I do this? I'm asking myself the same question. It's a lot of crap for 4 weeks and likely will not help me in the long run. I did it mostly to get cheap entertainment tickets from the student union and for some brownie points when my review comes up. I just went to get tickets and well, no such luck, there is a glitch with my ID, so hopefully the people in the tower are getting it fixed as I type.

I need a housekeeper. There is one of me living in my house, so I seriously don't know how it gets to be such a disaster, but it does all the time. I'm in an organization phase right now, but can't seem to decide exactly which route I want to take, so alas the mess is as bad as it was before, yet almost worse because now the crap is spread all about not in a neat pile.

Ug! Is it Monday again, it sure feels like it.

Baby It's Cold Outside...

In more ways than one it's cold outside. The temperature has dropped and I broke, yep, I turned my heat on last Friday for a hour and then last night I left it set on 60 all night long. When the temp inside my house dropped to below 60-56 to be exact, I decided screw it, I was not freezing to death and turned on the heat. Now, I did turn it off again today, with hopes of a warmer day, but likely it's false hope.

It's also cold outside because I got a rejection email today for a job I applied for. I wasn't surprised, didn't even get an interview, but the letter was supposed to be warm and fuzzy, we didn't pick you, but please apply for other jobs. However, the letter seemed to rush in with a very cool breeze.

I hope your Monday is warmer.

The Drawing…

Ok, you had a one in 9 chance of winning. I know you have been on pins and needles all week waiting, hoping, chewing on your finger nails—stop it-do you want H1N1! Anyway, I started the process last evening as promised.

I wrote all the names on slips of paper.

I just got this lovely Pampered Chef baker, but haven’t had time to use it, but felt it should be used somehow. So, I got it out of the box. And put all of your names in.

I shook it up and then took the lid off and pulled out a name.

The winner is…



PP-library!

Please email me at accordingtoalison@hotmail.com to let me know which photo you would like and the size. All photos and size options are listed on my Photography site, link is to the right. I'll get it to you asap. Congrats!

Thanks to everyone who entered. I may do this again, it was kinda fun.

Enjoy your damp Thursday!

Crap...

So, I have been a crazy busy lady and didn't get the drawing done last night. I am sorry, however this is good news for procrastinators. I will plan to do the drawing this evening around 9pm. This will follow a 13 hour day at work, and yes a 13 hour day yesterday. So, please forgive me, but understand life gets in the way sometimes. So, if you know others who want to enter, tell them to get it done and get it done by tonight 9pm. If you have no idea what I'm referring to, read the entry from Oct. 6.

Love, don't hate, and give a girl a break. *grin*

Awareness…

October is Breast Cancer Awareness month.

This year more than 203,500 women in the US will learn that they have breast cancer, more than 40,000 women will lose their lives. Breast Cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cancer in women in America. –information taken from Breast Cancer Awareness website.

You can do a small part and click on the “Give a Free Boob Squeeze” link to the side. Then squeeze your own boobs, you get to choose if it's in public or not. *grin*

I will not likely be posting on Monday, so look for the drawing winner on Tuesday as the next post. Don’t know about the drawing, look at the post from Oct. 6.

Happy Weekend!!!